Manchester City officially sign Tijjani Reijnders: Set to feature at Club World Cup

Official announcement and contract details

Manchester City have officially signed Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan in a deal worth £46.5 million. The Dutch midfielder has agreed to a five-year contract, becoming the fourth addition to Guardiola’s squad this summer after Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and Marcus Bettinelli. The club’s total transfer spending for the window has now exceeded £100 million.

Reijnders: “Playing in the Premier League was my childhood dream”

Speaking after the transfer, Reijnders said:

“Manchester City is one of the biggest clubs in the world. Working with a manager like Pep Guardiola and joining such a high-quality squad is a huge opportunity. Playing in the Premier League has always been a childhood dream of mine.”

Eligible for the FIFA Club World Cup

Although the announcement came after the official squad registration deadline for the FIFA Club World Cup, Manchester City have confirmed that Reijnders has been included in the tournament squad. He will be available to represent the club in the competition this summer.

What kind of player is Reijnders?

Reijnders is a modern, versatile midfielder capable of contributing both defensively and offensively. What sets him apart is his calm authority in midfield—the kind that lets him command rhythm without ever seeming rushed. He often serves as the link between defence and attack, using his balance and awareness to drive the play forward.

Standing at 1.85m, Reijnders combines physical strength with technical control. He breaks up opposition play and contributes to build-up phases with calm, intelligent decisions. One of his standout traits is his ability to remain composed under pressure and find the right pass in tight spaces. He also poses a threat around the penalty area with accurate strikes.

Stylistically, Reijnders is less of a creative dribbler like Bernardo Silva and more in the mould of Ilkay Gündoğan or Mateo Kovačić—midfielders who cover large areas, blend technique with athleticism, and influence transitional phases. His ability to glide past pressure and move the ball with purpose makes him a vital asset in breaking down rigid blocks—an area where City often face resistance. He is expected to operate as a left-sided central midfielder in Guardiola’s system, orchestrating passing patterns and managing transitions.

Breakout campaign at Milan

Reijnders enjoyed a standout 2024/25 season with AC Milan, appearing in 54 matches across all competitions. He scored 15 goals and provided 5 assists, marking the most productive season of his career. Beyond the numbers, Reijnders was Milan’s metronome—reliable in transition, relentless off the ball, and decisive in front of goal.

Established figure in the national team

On the international stage, Reijnders has become a regular for the Netherlands. Since September 2023, he has earned 23 caps and scored 4 goals. His performances for both club and country underline his growing influence and consistency at the highest level.

Sporting director Hugo Viana praises the signing

Following the official confirmation, City’s sporting director Hugo Viana commented:

“Tijjani has gained top-level experience both at club level and with the national team. We believe he will bring balance, energy and quality to our midfield. Under Guardiola’s guidance, there is no doubt he will continue to evolve.”